Who Am I?

[Rachael]

Has to be. Question is.. was it just a run of good form from a player who could "do it" when in great touch.. as Hayden managed for a few years.. and if not.. then what?

[Maranello]

Yes Rachael it had to be Gooch. In fact, you could ignore all the other clues, and Clue 5 would be enough to get the answer: am regarded as an English all-time great, but God knows why - we all know which English batsman has impressed Milo to such an extent!

[Milo]

Originally Posted by Rachael

Has to be. Question is.. was it just a run of good form from a player who could "do it" when in great touch.. as Hayden managed for a few years.. and if not.. then what?

To start with you can take away the entire 1990 first class season for me. It didn't rain once, and every player filled their boots. This just happened to coincide with a time when Gooch was in form. He was impossible to bowl to that year - but then again so was Azharuddin, Robin Smith and many others. In fact, Shastri opened up for India and scored like never before.

PS: Who could you possibly be referring to Maranello????

[Lemming]

I have just looked at Gooch on cricinfo and apparently he is the most prolific run-scorer top-class cricket has ever seen. (i.e. test runs + first-class + ODI + class A limited over). Although I agree he may be slightly I'm not sure Gooch is that overrated, he had a very good career, and you can't argue with scoring that many runs.

[Andy Mellon]

Of course Gooch is an all-time great. Its not just because he's my favourite player of all time. I understand that people may have something against him because of his attendance on the rebel South African tour, but to knock his batting is astonishing. He was in the world top 10 for 5-6 years non stop - most of that time in the top 5. They used to have batting rating graphs on the PwC ratings website - if they have them on the new LG site, then take a look! Gooch was fabulous compared to Athers dour dirge of a batting style. If it wasn't for the occasional brilliant knock like in Jo'burg - Athers wouldn't be remembered at all! I hate to use statistics, but Athers' batting average is dire for someone so 'good'.

Gooch is what got me addicted to cricket - take that away from me, and I might be playing football now.

And yes - I did see Gooch bat. Repeatedly. Whenever I got the chance. I loved to watch him bat. He's my Hero!!! Look what you've done, you've got me all emotional

[Paoli]

Who Am I?

I was born in Western Australia

Starting my career young, many tipped me for greatness

I became one of Australia's best openers

I was unceremoniously dumped in an Australian squad-wash in the early 1990's.

My son plays for Western Australia currently.

I recently resigned from my post as national coach of a Struggling test nation

I am?

[Lemming]

Originally Posted by Andy Mellon

...but Athers' batting average is dire for someone so 'good'.

His batting average was low I agree for someone as good as him. I think it partly was because he played for years with back injuries even though he was advised not too. Reading his autobiography, I think he said he played in at least two whole Ashes series when he shouldn't have even been straining his back. He had to retire at quite a young age (was it 33 or so?) because it was a risk to his health to have anymore pain-killing injections!

Anyway, back to the Who Am I?

[Lemming]

Geoff Marsh?

[Milo]

Originally Posted by Andy Mellon

And yes - I did see Gooch bat. Repeatedly. Whenever I got the chance. I loved to watch him bat. He's my Hero!!! Look what you've done, you've got me all emotional

Andy, I used to work with an avid Essex fan when I lived in London. We used to have daily arguements about Gooch's worth. I know I will not win this one with you - but I do agree that he was much better than the more vastly over-rated Atherton.

[Andy Mellon]

Originally Posted by Milo

Andy, I used to work with an avid Essex fan when I lived in London. We used to have daily arguements about Gooch's worth. I know I will not win this one with you - but I do agree that he was much better than the more vastly over-rated Atherton.

It's not just because he played for Essex. You won't find me defending Derek Pringle's test record (though why did Mike Garnham never play international cricket? ) Interesting that you don't rate Gooch or Athers. I usually find people like one or the other. Unusual to find someone who thinks both are overrated!! So, who would the alternatives to Gooch and Athers be? Bill Athey? Actually, how's about Paul Prichard!! Now, there's a player!